Japan Rail Journey

DAY 1 – TOKYO

Arrive at Narita Airport and meet your English-speaking assistant who will escort you by private car to your hotel and assist with any questions you might have. Settle into your hotel in the bustling Shinjuku district and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or start exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 2 – TOKYO

Join your guide for a full-day journey through Tokyo’s dynamic mix of modern culture and timeless tradition. Begin with a hands-on Taiko drumming experience, then ascend Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views over the metropolis. Explore Tokyo Character Street, a haven of quirky souvenirs and themed shops, before heading to Harajuku to soak up the youthful fashion scene and buzzing street culture.

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3 – KAMAKURA

Travel by public transport with your guide to the historic coastal city of Kamakura. Visit the famous Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, wander the peaceful gardens of Hase Temple, and explore the sacred grounds of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Stroll along the lively Komachi Street, lined with traditional shops and food stalls, before returning to Tokyo in the evening

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 4 – NAGANO

Meet your assistant for a private transfer to Tokyo Station, then board the Shinkansen for a high-speed journey through the Japanese Alps to Nagano. Upon arrival, an assistant will accompany you by public transport to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, discovering Nagano’s peaceful streets or relaxing at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5 – JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEY PARK

Venture deep into the scenic mountains with your guide for a full-day visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Travel by express train to Yudanaka, followed by a short journey to the park where you can observe Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs. Surrounded by forested hills, this rare wildlife encounter offers a truly unforgettable experience. Return to Nagano in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6 – KANAZAWA

After breakfast, meet your assistant at the hotel for a public transport transfer to Nagano Station. Board the Shinkansen for your journey west to Kanazawa, known for its Edo-era charm and beautifully preserved districts. On arrival, walk with your assistant to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 7 – KANAZAWA

Explore Kanazawa’s cultural gems with your guide on a full-day tour by public transport. Begin at Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, and nearby Kanazawa Castle. Then delve into the city’s samurai past at Nomura House in Nagamachi and wander the atmospheric Higashi-Chaya geisha district, known for its wooden teahouses and traditional architecture.

Accommodation: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8 – KYOTO & ARASHIYAMA

This morning, meet your assistant and arrange for your main luggage to be sent ahead to Kyoto via Takkyubin courier service, arriving the following evening – please prepare an overnight bag for today’s journey. After a short walk to the station, board the Shinkansen to Tsuruga, then transfer to the Limited Express Thunderbird to Kyoto. On arrival, meet your guide for a half-day exploration of Arashiyama, a tranquil district known for its natural beauty. Visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryuji Temple, stroll through the otherworldly Sagano Bamboo Grove, cross the scenic Togetsu Bridge, and enjoy the serene gardens and panoramic views at Okouchi Sanso Villa before checking in at your hotel.

Accommodation: The Thousand Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9 – KYOTO

Discover Kyoto’s timeless beauty with your guide on a full-day tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the golden reflection of Kinkakuji Temple, then continue to the historic grounds of Nijo Castle. Marvel at the thousand life-sized statues at Sanjusangendo Hall, walk through the vibrant grounds of Heian Shrine, and end your day at the hillside Kiyomizu Temple with sweeping views over the city.

Accommodation: The Thousand Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 10 – TOKYO

After breakfast, meet your assistant for a private car transfer to Kyoto Station and board the Shinkansen for your return to Tokyo. Upon arrival, an assistant will greet you at the platform and escort you by private car to your hotel. Spend your final evening in the capital enjoying a meal, shopping, or simply soaking up the city lights.

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11 – TOKYO

Check out of your hotel and transfer by private car with your assistant to Narita Airport for your return flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

JAPAN RAILWAY GROUP

Japan Railways Group is the umbrella group for seven rail operators covering Japan, including the iconic bullet train services officially known as the Shinkansen High-Speed train.

LUGGAGE GUIDELINES

Each passenger is entitled to bring on board two pieces of luggage weighing less than 30kg each with rules on dimensions. You may also bring on smaller bags.

CHECK-IN TIMES

There are no official check in times but there are barriers to cross, sometimes two sets, so allow plenty of time.

DINING

Japanese trains don’t have restaurant cars or a bar car, just vending machines and in some cases a refreshment trolley serving various items. However, you can buy Japanese packed lunches known as ekiben from station shops, or order them from the refreshment trolleys.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Japanese trains usually have an “ordinary class” and “green car”. The seating arrangements vary by train but the ordinary class is considered quite comfortable. Upgrade to the green car for extra leg and elbow room.

NOTABLE SCENERY

The Tokaido Shinkansen line passes between Tokyo and Kyoto, and right from your seat you’ll be treated to the famous bullet train side view of Mount Fuji.